Imagine training to prepare yourself to cope with situations that range from building fires to childbirth to accidents to heart attacks, and almost any imaginable emergency situation in between This diversity is coupled with the fact that these skills may be needed at any time of the day, seven days a week, in any kind of weather and very often under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances. These challenges contribute to our profession being personally rewarding.

As volunteers, we are here for two basic purposes. The first is to prevent fires or medical emergencies from occurring. This is achieved through fire prevention, health maintenance education, inspections, and fire safety education. Secondly, we are here to prepare ourselves to control fire or medical emergencies should prevention fail. This is accomplished through education, training, preincident planning, more training, state of the art equipment, and even more training.

This business is not for everyone, you need more than simply a desire to help people. You need courage and dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.

You need to take the time for training sessions, meetings, emergency calls, maintenance of equipment, and other duties. The fire service is not for the meek or timid or for those who lose control during times of crisis. Our service to the community is one that calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, and strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received are beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is born, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety, the list goes on and on.

The bottom line in our business is measured by the loss of life, pain, suffering, and property damage we have prevented or reduced. We are here and prepared for one reason, and that is to provide service to the people of our community.

BEECH MOUNTAIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT | Call 828-387-4612